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Marine Travis Mackin, 22, from Plymouth, died after being hit by an insurgent improvised explosive device while on patrol in Kajaki in northern Helmand Province yesterday.

At the time he was leading his team in a joint operation between Victor Company, 45 Commando Group Royal Marines, and Afghan troops to destroy a key Taliban command cell responsible for many attacks in the area.

Marine Mackin, whose younger brother Corbin is also serving with the armed forces in Afghanistan, was a keen sportsman who played ice hockey for the Royal Navy.

His family said in a statement: “Travis was a much loved son and brother who is never going to leave us and will be in our hearts and souls forever.

“He lived for the Marines and was so proud of his uniform. His untimely death leaves a massive hole in all the lives of his family and friends.

“He touched the hearts of all those that met him and we are so proud and honoured to have had him in our lives.”

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Commanding officer of the 539 Assault Squadron Colonel Haydn White said the 22 year old had “constantly requested” to join one of the units being deployed to Afghanistan.

Marine Mackin’s girlfriend Laura said: “I am so honoured to have been his girlfriend and he is irreplaceable in my heart. To me he was the most honourable, unselfish and caring person I have ever known and he never ceased to make me laugh. “I will miss him beyond words but equally I am so proud to have known this wonderful man.”

The marine was an animal lover who was raising chickens in his military base, according to his colleagues.

Sergeant Lee Collins said: “They broke the mould when they made Travis. His energy and enthusiasm for life knew no bounds; he was the biggest bag of morale I have ever known in the Corps, always smiling, always laughing.

“Always looking for a new pet, Travis befriended cats, dogs, snakes, spiders and was raising two chickens in the FOB (Forward Operating Base).

“Travis was always willing to go further, carry more, do his bit and then a bit more.

“He died doing the job he loved. The Corps will be a much quieter place without him.”

Lieutenant Graeme Armour commended Marine Mackin, saying he had the prospect of a “successful and long career” in the armed forces.

Major Nigel Somerville said: “A talented, popular and exceptionally courageous individual, Marine Travis Mackin died supporting his colleagues in the face of hostile enemy action.

“Brave, calm and always measured under enemy fire, Travis was synonymous with leading his team from the very front to support his colleagues around him.

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“This is how he died and how he will always be remembered. The dedication, loyalty and pure courage shown by someone so young is truly humbling.”

He also loved practical jokes, and arranged for Father Christmas to visit a senior officer one year.

Company Sergeant Major, Victor Company, Robert Millman said: “Marine Travis Mackin was a true Marine; his sense of humour intoxicated all around him, and even when put in extreme situations, he could lighten the moment with a practical joke.

“He even arranged for Santa Claus to visit his Sergeant Major on Christmas Eve, a feat still unsurpassed by others – he will be in my good books forever.

“He was an inspiration to all young Royal Marines in the way he conducted himself on operations, and at home.

“He will be sorely missed by all the Men of Victor Company Group and throughout the wider Royal Marines. The thoughts of all the men of Victor Company are with his family at this time of extreme grief.”

Defence secretary John Hutton said: “Travis Mackin was, I have been told, an extraordinarily committed and confident Marine who lead from the front.

“His death will, I’m sure, be a devastating blow for his family, including his brother Rifleman Corbin Mackin, and a great loss for his friends and colleagues.